Pelé predicts an Algerian surprise

O Rei is optimistic about the chances of Algeria in this year’s World Cup.

On Wednesday, Deutche Presse-Agentur reported that Brazilian legend Pelé stated that Algeria’s football team has the potential to surprise come June.

“Football is not an accurate science, it’s a game full of surprises and Algeria’s national team is capable of accomplish one [during the World Cup],” Pele said during a press conference in the Algerian capital.

The 73-year-old cited Algeria’s win over Germany in 1982 as an example of how upsets can happen.

Algeria claimed a rare victory over European opposition when they beat Slovenia 2-0 in Blida on Wednesday.

Hilal el-Arbi Soudani and Saphir Sliti Taider scored either side of half-time for the north Africans who have been drawn in Group H of the World Cup with Belgium, Russia and South Korea.